Development and validation of a dna-chip technology for the assessment of the bacteriological quality of bathing and drinking water

Objective

Pathogenic bacteria are a major health concern in drinking and bathing waters. Present day assessments of bacterial contaminations rely on culture methods, i.e. Plate counts of oviform bacteria, despite low reliability for detection of bacteria and their pathogen city. It is our objective to develop) molecular methods to identify and quantify pathogenic bacteria directly in any given water sample and to assess their state of activity. We will combine quantitative PCR and DNA-chip technology to retrieve specific gene sequences and assess their amounts in water samples. 16S renal sequences serve to identify species, mina of tuff genes and 16S reran indicate bacterial activity, pathogen city factors assess infectious risks. The applicability will be tested in relevant aquatic environments of the EU. The final objective is to create a novel technology for the EU-wide detection of waterborne pathogenic bacteria and to validate its mass application.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-4. - Key action Environment and Health

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

GBF - NATIONAL CENTRE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY

Address

Mascheroder Weg 1
38124 Braunschweig
Germany

Participants (4)

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

France

Address

Bètiment Jean Maetz, Chemin Du Lazaret 284, La Dar
06238 Villefranche-sur-mer

GENOLIFE S.A.

France

Address

Biopole Clermont Limagne
63360 Saint Beauzire

HYDRA INSTITUTE BUERO - DR KASIMIR KEG

Austria

Address

Himmelstrasse 42
1190 Wien

UNIVERSITE DE NICE - SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS

France

Address

Bètiment Jean Maetz, Chemin Du Lazaret 284, La Dar
06238 Villefranche-sur-mer